LFS Recommendation & Ratings

[wil_lee76]

alright...i realsied that ML is another place that i can pop by...thnks guys for the recommendation...!! and keep on going......send ur comments and let us know where to go and what to expect!!!!

[Ancelot]

ML is considerably one of the best around in Singapore. Though cramp but service and knowledge given to me by Uncle Henry is top notch and really good!!!

There was even one episode where he got his clam stolen under his nose. We urged him after that incident to put a CCTV at the back of the shop. But he refused because he doesnt want to put his customers on the stress rack. This kind of a boss, shop keeper, teacher, i mean where can you ever find one???

So zillion thumbs up for ML!!

[shawncel]

I am sure all of u will agree that Henry has been a 'shi fu' to many of us reefers. Always patient and willing to share his knowledge. I have been a regular at his shop for some time now and always enjoy my time at his shop chatting and sharing with him.

How may lfs will even bother to source and bring in rare species like gressingeri and purple goose scorpionfish? I have personally seen how much care he puts in to get his ls to get them to feed and to maintain them healthy.

Cheers to Henry....

My 2 cts worth...

[shoelevy]

Like all LFS loh, they try to bring in arounf Thurs and Fri to capture the Weekend crowd loh.

Is there any fish you are looking for?

actually, i'm not looking for any particular lifestocks....watever captures my eyes i take

now i'm searching for elegance...which i found a very nice one at AA

think is purple or pink one

[Melvyn Tan]

Although i have only been there once or twice (some of my friends knows him for years) he is a pretty customer orientated person and tries hard even in your first visit to know you and remember your name.

I think LFS like his exemplifies the good LFS-Customer (hobbyist) relationship, and for big impressive lotsa stocks farms, they mostly hold more common stocks - buy & go relation (not all though).

Which is why, i believe he brings in specific stocks which are rarer and outreach the hobbyist's dream and also provide care in quarantining and getting good quality stocks thereby increasing the survival rates for hobbyist. That is where ML's value lies.

At Marinelife it is where hobbyists' dreams come true

[diabolus]

heres a little incident i experienced at ML during my last visit.

was at ML at about 4+ in the evening, nothing to do so just go down and TCSS with Henry.

stayed there for nearly at hour doing nothing(not much LS to look at cos of no shipment) but gazing at his fuge and main display tank trying to figure out how to "kop" his camel goby and rics without him noticing!

in the end, got a got a pack of Oceanic 5 gallon mix from him for my nano.

didn't have cash so offered to pay by NETS. To my surprise, this was Henry's reply -

He said that the NETS ppl will sorta grumble for such a small amt. and he ask me to pay him the next time i go down!

where can you find a LFS owner like him? No doubt the amt we toking here is not big, but I felt that the trust he had in me(a small time customer) was refreshing!

No doubt that his stuff are a tad on the high side, but IMO, i think its really worth it!

Kudos to you Henry!

[35Cents]

stayed there for nearly at hour doing nothing(not much LS to look at cos of no shipment) but gazing at his fuge and main display tank trying to figure out how to "kop" his camel goby and rics without him noticing! 

You kop, I kop you! I'm now considering buying that rare goby...but wouldn't that null my griessingeri species tank.... pondering hardly.

[Melvyn Tan]

Sealife is also another good LFS - customer orientated, knowledgeable, also again sticking to the true Hobbyist Shop philosophy wherein they bring in good quality stocks for consumers from good reliable sources. Care in quarantining and careful dosage in treatment and preserving longevity and reduction in stress are also practice - to increase survival rates.

These are friendly shops which you may wish to visit.

They also do tank maintenance services if required.

At Sealife, we bring the sea to you

[diabolus]

You kop, I kop you! I'm now considering buying that rare goby...but wouldn't that null my griessingeri species tank.... pondering hardly.

hehehe...i kop liaoz also dun tell you.

actually,i prefer the black/white strip goby in the fuge better,fella look like a minature shark!

wonder how much henry letting dat one go?

[35Cents]

Black white as in the camel goby? Pmed you the price quoted last time I been there.

[DeepBlue]

Glad to hear so many reefers have voiced out their opinion about ML. To me..its a great place to be. yup, its a little small...because I'm big But this place always reminds me of those old coffee shop with those nice coffees in the little porcelain cups...

To me...its always the people in the place. I appreciate the effort by Henry to make everyone there comfortable and browse ard without any stress. ML is full of positive vibes....if you ever need some....just go hang ard there for an afternoon

At this point, like to highlight to everyone..this thread was created with good intentions...but you will realise very soon that everyone has their own favourite LFS and they would have built a special relationship with the bosses of their preferred LFS over time thru the frequent LFS trips. They wil be prepared to sing praises and also defend the shop if they disagree.

So I urged eveyrone to treat the postings here as perceptions of individuals. .. all LFS are 10 out 10 to some and 1/10 to other reefers. It is very subjective . Dun lose too much sleep over the whole thing.

Of course ...if you want to criticise an LFS...please refer to the posting rules first regarding LFS feedback.

[terryansimon]

I dunno which other LFS practices this..

but as far as I can remember, I know that Henry is the only person in the world who would tell me this.

Henry "yah that fish/coral is available but I wouldn't sell it."

me "why? reserved for somebody already?"

Henry "no. because it's ill/unhealthy/sick/something nasty happening to it."

I rest my case.

[diabolus]

At this point, like to highlight to everyone..this thread was created with good intentions...but you will realise very soon that everyone has their own favourite LFS and they would have built a special relationship with the bosses of their preferred LFS over time thru the frequent LFS trips. They wil be prepared to sing praises and also defend the shop if they disagree.

So I urged eveyrone to treat the postings here as perceptions of individuals. .. all LFS are 10 out 10 to some and 1/10 to other reefers. It is very subjective . Dun lose too much sleep over the whole thing.

Of course ...if you want to criticise an LFS...please refer to the posting rules first regarding LFS feedback.

i agree with DB.

it will be best to keep this thread just on the good services one recieves from a certain LFS.

for negative comments, do it thru pm or when meet ups lah.

[cheese]

Bros, wish to share a very personal view in regards to the topic. Pls dun flame me if it seems subjective.

I thought it's really a good idea to start off a topic like this, when I read the 1st post. Some common ratings for all the LFS we visited, plus short personal remarks, for those who have yet/visited the LFS to share/place their references.

Insteads, for almost 3 pages, it's talking about ML, and sound really defensive(personally felt) for ML, just because the posts didn't rate it well enough. And all Bros started to pour in their comments/stories to try and correct what was rated.

If the stock level rating may not be appropriate, since most livestock will be taken almost immediate upon arrival, then perhaps that rating item should be amended accordingly.

Why should one try to correct another belief? I thought it should be just throw in individual's ratings and the average result should show who's the best. Our sponsors, or the respective LFS, could also use the raw individual view/remarks as their critics for improvement, and further enhance their business.

If Bros here seems so defensive on their preferred LFS, then who would dare to put in their true views, and to help in our concern LFS' growth?

Just a very personal feeling that come across my heart when going through this topic. Nothing worth.

Cheers!

[junyong84]

at the rate in which new LFS are popping out, its time 4 someone to re-edit the LFS excel spreadsheet again!

[corrado]

ML also has the coolest technique of catching fish.

He uses a a pair of something real long and thin, no hair wth a tappered mushroom head.

[35Cents]

Bros, wish to share a very personal view in regards to the topic. Pls dun flame me if it seems subjective.

I thought it's really a good idea to start off a topic like this, when I read the 1st post. Some common ratings for all the LFS we visited, plus short personal remarks, for those who have yet/visited the LFS to share/place their references.

Insteads, for almost 3 pages, it's talking about ML, and sound really defensive(personally felt) for ML, just because the posts didn't rate it well enough. And all Bros started to pour in their comments/stories to try and correct what was rated.

If the stock level rating may not be appropriate, since most livestock will be taken almost immediate upon arrival, then perhaps that rating item should be amended accordingly.

Why should one try to correct another belief? I thought it should be just throw in individual's ratings and the average result should show who's the best. Our sponsors, or the respective LFS, could also use the raw individual view/remarks as their critics for improvement, and further enhance their business.

If Bros here seems so defensive on their preferred LFS, then who would dare to put in their true views, and to help in our concern LFS' growth?

Just a very personal feeling that come across my heart when going through this topic. Nothing worth.

Cheers!

As quoted from shoelevy:"i'm writing this thread to ask the fervent supporters of ML to tell me wat exactly about the place has grabbed yr hearts?"

Thus we are just answering the question.

I understand your point of view, everyone has their own favourite LFS, but so far I did not see any flaming or unpleasantries in this thread. IMO, everyone are still keeping this cordial and keeping an open mind (let's hope it stays that way ).

PS: On a personal note, I felt that reefsters should not judge a LFS by its cover. A small "messy" shop does not equate to a bad shop, I trust many here had bad experiences with big and professional looking LFS.

[sslow]

I am just a newbie to this forum as well as to keeping marine aquarium. Please pardon me if I offend anyone out there. Wanted to start a thread like this as I have been LFS-hopping after getting interested in marine tanks.

I live in the north-east and naturally, may be more bias towards LFS in that area.

Yio Chu Kang and Seletar Area:

1. Aqua Marin - one of the first LFS I have been.

Plus points: Good balance of equipment and livestock.

Open up to 3am.

Minus points: Always got dead fish in tanks.

2. Seletar Farmway - been there once and did not like the place at all. Did not even know the name of the place. Friend brought me there.

Plus points: Cannot think of 1.

Minus points: Maybe went at wrong time, not much fishes or corals.

West Coast Area:

3. Jireh - The lady boss!

Plus points: Plenty of corals. Think livestocks are well-kept as saw them fed with prawns.

Very close to ML (can go 2 places in 1 trip).

Some DIY overflow pipes available.

Minus points: Not sure if floor is always wet. Kind of slippery when I was there.

4. ML - Reading from this post. Many are very passionate with this LFS.

Plus points: Owner. Seems are friendly. Always smiling and apologising for not attending to you.

Owner again. Allowing customers to reserve as well as keep livestock for them (from what I read on 1 of the tanks).

Many interesting livestock that are not seem elsewhere. A definitely must very place once I become a "Tuna".

Minus points: Nothing major - A little cramp inside but he has got a lot of things. Has its own unique fell to it.

LCK Area:

5. Coral Farm - Very impressive (size pf skimmers and show tanks).

Plus points: Many livestock to choose from.

Very nice LR. If were to have a huge dream tank, must go get LR from them.

Minus points: Too many livestock to choose from (spending too much time there).

6. LCK110? - Not much to look at from outside.

Plus points: Very interesting corals that I seldom see elsewhere.

Minus points: When raining, sure to get wet when choosing corals. Happened to me and friends.

Serangoon/Upper Serangoon Area:

6. Gold Coast? (Along MacPherson) -

Plus points: Good balance of fishes and corals.

Friendly boss. Can get advise from him.

Minus points: Not much equipment for sale.

7. ###### - Did not even know it is open

Plus points: For stony corals lovers, I guess. Lots of colourful corals.

Minus points: Not much else.

8. Reborn - thought it was a place to go after commiting some sin.

Plus points: Shop is much bigger than looking from the outside. Lots of fishes and corals. But, I think the fishes are the more common ones.

Minus points: Intimidated by person manning the shop upstairs. Just stared at me when I went up. Thought I had something growing on my face.

9. Aquamart - use to go there for FW plants. But that was many years ago.

Plus points: For those who like aquamedic products.

Minus points: Not much else.

Pasir Ris Area:

10. Iwarna - one of the LFSs that must go too.

Plus points: I think value for money.

Minus points: Did not have a good conversation over the phone with a guy there. I asked "May I know what time do you close today?". Answer "Whenever I close I close." I guess he is not wrong. I have not called them again.

11. 1 more that I went to but did not know the name. So-so only. Drop by on the way out from Iwarna.

Geylang/Kallang Area:

12. e-Aquanature

Plus points: Nice big tank to look at.

Got nice and informative charts for beginners where to livestock are kept.

Minus points: Don't have much most of the time. Maybe very popular and stock always sold out. But, I don't know, still got its appeal. Maybe it is the location. Geylang. The food?

13. Aquatechnic - not much mentioned about this place.

Plus points: For those who wants everything customised and taken care of.

Very impressive show tanks.

Minus points: Very expensive stuff.

Mostly equipment (dupla).

OK. Cannot write anymore. Please feel free to add on. May I remind everyone that all these are my own opinions and observations. Things that are important to me may not be for you.

I apologise if I offend anyone out there. But this is a forum, we are supposed to be able to share our own views.

Cheers.

[shoelevy]

hey sslow...the one at seletar farmwae issit the one very close to aquamarin?

btw...good compilation!!

[pegasus1010]

i believe it called T95..

tat ah pek..sigh..

[shoelevy]

hey...y sigh wen u mention the ah pek?

sslow...i tink u caught the t95 at a wrong time..cos the last time i went...wooo...blown awae by the corals it has...healthy too

[sslow]

Not sure if it is T95. It must have its appeal and specialty if it is till open for business.

Will visit agin if around the area and after confirming that it is known as T95.

Thanks for update.

[wil_lee76]

hey pal,

that was a GOOD compliation...Keep up the good work guys.... yes, we are doing an compliation here and not flaming other pple...just wanna make these thread a happy and nice thread to look at...so pple like me (newbies) can make use of the perious time to visit recommended LFS...so guys, be cool and feel free to comments!!

Have a nice week ahead!!!!

[Dispar_Anthias]

Been to many lfs and these are some of my comments

sealife- very nice ppl there.... uncle tan very honest, he even bother to remember which particular fish is eating even though there are many others of the same species.... he will try diff kind of food to show you what the fish like or eat(super good service... Oh ya he is nice to chat with too.... there is also auntie jasmine, thought dun handle the livestock much, she does has very good knowledge.... she is nice to chat with and will update you on shipment news.... Lastly uncle sam the boss, he may seem abit quiet but man his knowledge is POWER!! get to knwo him more and you will be amaze Variety of fishes at sealife make every customer wants to go there and theres a rather standard shipment on every tues and thursday.... shipment from other countries will be informed early to every customers who enter the shop be4 the actual shipment date....I also find sealife a rather conveniet place to go... soft corals will not appeal to some, but if you take effort to find, you can findsome rare stuffs.. especially hitch hiking zoos .... Lastly sealife carries reputable equipments like kents and H&S

Aquaria Arts- boss is very nice and kind... He gave a me a packet of drink when i was there.. I did not buy anything but chat the whole day with him(everything under the sun, from corals to using jellyfish pigment to inject into fish body ) oh yah we chatted for few hrs .... Aquaria arts is new so you guys have to wait for the boss to accquire more suppliers for better variety of livestock.... So far AA is only one of the shop that brings in american zoos.... They bring in lps and sps regularly... Although abit ex, their livestock are kept in very good holding tank with top notch equipments.... I only encounter one fish shipment and thats from caribbean but i can tell the fish are very well taken care off.... Place is very neat, clean and dry......

Harlequin-Boss is very very nice..... Always chat and joek with me..... Their livestock are of exceptional quality if you go on the day of the shipment because after first day there will not be much left.... yumas, pratas, red trachyphyllia of very good quality.... Boss make effort to quaratine every fish...... Top range products like salifert are available... Oh ya those looking for complete set of salifert stuff go harlequin the 2 display tank in the shop is awesome.... FOWLR with rare angels like king .. The reef has beautiful and healthy looking corals..... lastly shop is neat and well kept

Reborn-Boss(uncle chua and wife) is very nice... smile and greet me everytime i enter the shop... Oh ya the son ah bee give very good discount... chat with me and give me comment abt certaiskimmer(good or bad also say)... I quite scared of the other worker cos he always look like in bad mood.... but he does give me discount... Fish variety is alot and i mean alot at times but maybe due to huge quantity of fish, death is understandable..... Shop is constantly wet(my mum hate that ) but overall conveniet place to go..... Now with the new section oopen the coral area, Reborn look like a place to go when going down to the central area.....

Marine life- boss.... no need say liao, like everyone mentioned.. service is POWER!! hnery knowledge is good too... Knowledge on species of fish is damn good... Like a walking dictionary.... i talk to him wun sian one, not like others, i say one thing, they give me HUH I tok to henry i usually go HUH Henry variety of fish is good, again when shipment arrive cos after that ppl will sao everything.... Abit out of the way for me but i bet its a regular stop for weterners and northy.... definately a place to look out for!!

PS: henry can you move over to central area

Iwarna- Boss(victor)... hahah super joker... can chat and joke... he gives good discount too..... He makes effort to find the fish you want even though i ask him flame wrasse but come in funny funny wrasse makes effort to keep things for me when i rush down from my place.... Victor's mum.. ahhaha nice auntie but always i toking to victor, she say wah bullying victor ah but she also give good discount, even allow me to pack myself wor.... Oh ya her coffee is POWER!!! Huge and i mean huge variety of fishes and corals... I remember one night every tank in the shop is filled with corals .... Abit out of the way for me lah, taxi to there exactly $10 Nonthless nice place to go

PS: victor, can open branch at central area or not

[Dispar_Anthias]

EAquanature: Super friendly boss.. Yes, edmund is you..... Stock are cheap be it the fish or the corals.... Corals are well look after under T5 lighting and ATI skimmer.... Lots of equipments that can't been found elsewhere.... kent, seachem, deltec, ATI and many more... What you want, EAN has it..... Oh ya EAN is located at geylang, convenient place with lots of good food to go after lfsing... Lastly, shop is very neat and air- conditioned

PS: edmund move to central area

Marine Pets: not much fishes but there are corals sometimes... Most of the corals if for sale are very very healthy and well takened care of by boss, Gilbert.... Oh ya since he does not bring in croals, those available in the shop are alwasy cherry picked by him.. So if you happened to see some corals, must cheogn and get it... Oh ya so far i rate marine pets display tank the best... Corals there are at least few years old... Oh ya so are the fishes.... Wonder how is the 9 footer doing.. Next gilbert is nice to chat with and i tell you, his knowledge is AWESOME... So if you need help setting up of tank, visit marinepets and gilbert will help you PAO KAR LIAO